MINUTES 

OF  THE 

SYNOD    OF    VIRGINIA, 

AT  THEIR  SESSION  IN 

LEXINGTON, 

OCTOBER,  1864.  % 

WITH  AN  APPENDIX. 


MINUTES 


OF  THE 


SYNOD    OF    VIRGINIA, 


AT  THEIR  SESSION  IN 


LEXINQTON, 


OCTOBER,  1864. 


WITH  AN  APPENDIX. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  8TNOD. 


MINUTES 


Lexington,  October  12//*,  1864. 

The  Synod  of  Virginia  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  in  the 
Presbyterian  church  in  Lexington,  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M.  A  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  Moderator,  Rev.  A.  Hart,  on  James  ch.  i.  9, 
10  vs:  '"Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice  in  that  he  is  ex- 
alted :  But  the  rich,  in  that  he  is  made  low."  After  which  the 
body  was  constituted  with  prayer. 

The  following  members  were  present  during  the  sessions: 

Greenbrier  Presbytery. 

Ministers— J.  C.  Barr,  R.  P.  Kennedy,  S.  R.  Houston,  M.  H.  Bit- 
inger,  James  H.  Leps,  (2)  H.  B.  Rose. 

Elders — Thomas  Matthews,  James  Withrow. 

Lexington  Presbytery. 

Ministers— F.  McFarland,  D.  D.,  W.  S.  White,  D.  D.,  N.  W. 
Calhoun,  H.  Brown,  S.  Brown,  W  W.  Trimble,  W.  Pinkerton,  W. 
H.  Ruflfncr,  A.  L.  Hogshead,  W.  T.  Price,  J.  K.  Harris,  T.  L.  Pres- 
ton, E.  Thomas,  (2)  E.  D.  JurAin,  (2)  F.  H.  Bowman,  (2)  W.  G. 
Campbell,  C  S.  M.  See,  (2)  W.  E.  Baker,  R.  S.  Reese,  (2)  Luther 
Emerson,  (2.} 

Elders— J.  T.  L.  Preston,  S.  W.  Lyle,  Jonathan  Brooks,  Jas. 
W.  Calhoun,  W.  A.  Bell,  H,  Guthrie. 

Winchester  Presbytery. 

Ministers — W.  H.  Foote,  D.  D. 
Elders — None, 

Montgomery  Presbytery. 

Ministers — James  M.  Rice,  W.  F.  Junkin,  John  S.  Grasty,  An- 
drew, Hart,  L.  H.  Blanton,  (2)  Alexander  B.  Carrington,  (2)  S.  D. 
Stuart,  (2.) 

Elders— W.  J.  Wilson,  F.  Johnston  (2)  R.  J.  McClure  (2.) 

*T&e  6gu,-o  following  a  name  indicates  U»e  day  of  -Jje  Session  whicb  U»e  member  toe*  tu»  wet- 


348  .  SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA. 

West  Hanover  Presbytery. 

Ministers— John  H.  Bocock,  D.  D.,  (2)  D.  B.  Ewing,  (2)  R.  Mcll- 
waine,  (2)  R.  L.  Dabney,  D.  D.,  (2.) 
Elders— F.  N,  Watkins,  (2)  W.  M.  Harris,  (2) 

East  Hanover  Presbytery. 

| 

Ministers— John  Miller,  B.  T.  Lacy,  G.  W.  White,  G.  D.  Arm- 
strong, D.  D.,  (2)  J.  Murray,  (2)  Win.  Brown,  D.  D.,  (2.) 
Elders — Robert  A.  Payne,  (2.) 

Roanoke  Presbytery. 

Ministers— J.  B.  Ramsey,  D.  D.,  H.  C.  Alexander,  Alex.  Martin, 
(2)  B.  W.  Mosely,  (2.) 
Elders— W.  R,  Rice,  (2)  James  R.  Holt,  (2.) 

Owing  to  the  disturbed  state  of  the  country,  and  the  consequent 
interruption  of  travel,  only  a  small  proportion  of  the  ministers  were 
present  at  the  opening  of  Synod  ;  it  was,  therefore,  resolved,  not 
to  proceed  with  the  regular  business  until  to-morrow,  but  to  unite 
this  afternoon  at  4  o'clock,  with  the  congregation  in  their  regular 
weekly  prayer  meeting,  in  behalf  of  our  country. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  9  o'clock. 

Closed  with  prayer.  •  .     . 

Thursday  Morning,  October  \Zth,  9  oclock. 

Synod  met  and  was  opened  with  prayer. 

The  formation  of  the  roll  was  completed.  On  motion  it  was  now 
resolved,  to  receive  the  roll  of  the  Presbyteries  of  the  United  Synod, 
which  rolls  were  presented  by  the  Moderator  of  said  Synod,  Rev.  T. 
W.  Hooper,  and  on  being  called,  the  following  members  answered 
to  their  names,  and  took  their  seats  as  members  of  thi§  Synod. 

Presbytery  of  Piedmont. 

Jacob  D.  Mitchell,  D.  D.,  Thomas  W.  Hooper. 

Presbytery  of  Hanover. 

A.Converse,  D.  D.,  Joseph  C.  Stiles,  D.  D.,  A.  J.  Leavenworth, 
C.  H.  Read,  D.  D.,  P.  Fletcher,  J.  D.  Thomas,  Philip  B.  Price,  F. 
B.  Converse,  and  Ruling  Elder,  J.  N.  Gordon. 

New  River  Presbytery. 
J.  McOhain 


STNoD  OP  virgin™.  -  349 

The  following  resolutions  were  offered  by  Rev.  William  Brown, 
D.  D. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Synod  of  Virginia  having  consummated  in  due  form,  the  ec- 
clesiastical union,  provided  for  in  the  plan  adopted  by  the  General  As- embly,  and  by 
the  United  Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  does  hereby  contemplate  with  great 
satisfaction  an  event  so  full  of  interest  to  our  Zion;  and  so  important  in  its  bearing 
upon  her  welfare. 

2.  That  we  deem  the  occasion  to  be  one  calling  for  devout  gratitude  to  the  Father 
of  Mercies,  for  the  manifest  guidance  of  His  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  watchful  care  of 
His  Holy  providence,  in  the  christian  spirit  and  successful  measures  by  which  our  di- 
visions have  been  healed. 

3.  That  we  solemnly  pledge  ourselves  to  God,  and  to  each  other,  that  no  effort 
shall  be  wanting  to  make  this  union  a  blessed  reality  to  our  church,  by  upholding 
her  time-honored  faith  and  order,  as  presented  in  her  standards,  and  as  currently  ex- 
pounded in  times  past  by  our  fathers.  And  we  do  now  earnestly  exhort  and  enjoin 
upon  our  people  everywhere,  that  they  shall  henceforth  strive  to  carry  into  full  effect 
the  scheme  embraced  by  this  movement,  in  the  same  spirit  in  which,  as  we  believe,  it 
has  been  begun  and  ended. 

After  a  full  and  free  expression  of  mutual  gratification  on  the  part 
of  the  members  of  both  bodies,  that  this  union  had  now  been  so 
happily  consummated,  the  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted. 
The  Svnod  was  then  led  in  prayer  and  thanksgiving  to  the  great 
Head  of  the  Church  by  Rev.  0.  H.  Read,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  F.  McFar- 
land,  D.  D. 

Synod  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  Moderator,  when  Rev.  C.  H. 
Read,  D.  D.,  was  unanimously  chosen  as  Moderator,  and  Rev.  P. 
Fletcher  and  F.  Johnston  were  chosen  as  clerks. 

Synod  then  took  a  reces6  until  three  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Synod  met  after  recess,  when  Rev.  R.  S.  Reese,  Rev.  Luther  Em- 
erson and  Rev.  C.  S.  M.  See  appealed,  and  having  rendered  satis- 
factory reason  for  tardiness,  took  their  seats. 

Rev.  H.- Thompson,  D.  D.,  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  be- 
ing present,  was  invited  to  sit  as  a  corresponding  member. 

A  letter  was  read  from  Rev.  J.  L.  Wilson.  Secretary  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Domestic  Missions,  on  the  subject  of  supplying  Chaplains 
for  the  army,  which,  on  motion,  was  referred  to  a  Committee  consist- 
ing of  Rev.  Dr.  Dabney,  B.  T.  Lacy,  P.  B.  Price,  J.  T.  L.  Preston 
and  J.  N.  Gordon,  to  report  thereon  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  to-mor- 
row. 

On  motion,  a  Committee  consisting  of  Rev.  Dr.  Brown,  J.  Miller 
and  R.  Mcllwaine,  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  suitable  memorial 
respecting  the  death  of  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Hoge,  D.  D.;  and 'Rev.  J.  S. 
Grasty,  A.  Hart  and  F.  Johnston,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to 
prepare  a  memorial  of  Rev.  Wm.  V.  Hickmau. 

On  motion,  it  was  resolved  that  the  Committee  on  Union  Theolog- 
ical Seminary,  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  and 
practicability  of  increasing  the  salaries  of  the  Professors,  and  to  re- 
port any  instructions  which  the  Synod  should  give  to  the  Directors, 
relating  to  this  subject. 

The  Moderator  announced  the  following  Standing  Committees: 


350  SYNOD  OP  VIRGINIA. 

On  Leave  of  Absence — Messrs.  Hogshead,  Hooper  and  J.  W.  Cal- 
houn. . 

On  Bills  and  Overtures — Messrs.  Hart,  McClain,  Bocock,  and  F. 
N.  Walker. 

Judicial  Committee — Messrs.  Mitchell,  McFarland,  Stiles,  Dah- 
ney,  and  J.  T.  L.  Preston. 

On  Union  Theological  Seminary — Messrs.  Armstrong,  Miller,  Foote, 
Stuart  and  P.  B.  Price. 

On  Minutes  of  General  Assembly — Messrs.  Ewing,  E.  D.  Junkin 
and  J.  N.  Gordon. 

On  the  Narrative — Messrs.  Thomas  L.  Preston,  Hooper  and  Barr. 

On  Devotional  Exercises — Messrs.  W.  S.  White,  Blanton  and  S. 
Brown. 

On  motion,  it  was  resolved,  that  a  Committee,  consisting  of  a  mem- 
ber from  each  of  the  Presbyteries  in  this  Synod  and  the  United  Synod, 
be  appointed  to  report  apian  forarrangingPresbyterial  lines  through- 
out this  Synod,  in  accordance  with  the  plan  of  Union;  and  the  fol- 
lowing were  appointed  on  that  Committee,  Messrs.  Ramsey,  J.  D. 
Mitchell,  R.  Mcllwaine,  William  Brown,  Barr,  Hart,  McChain,  P. 
B.  Price  and  Foote. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolution  were  offered,  and  unani- 
mously adopted. 

Whereas,  In  the  existing  state  of  the  country,  it  is  feared  that  among  other  pre- 
vailing sins,  the  violation  of  the  Sabbath  is  becoming  very  common,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  attention  of  the  Ministers,  Church  Sessions  and  people  under  the 
charge  of  this  Synod,  is  earnestly  called  to  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  and  that 
pastors  be  instructed  to  preach  on  this  subject,  as  soon  after  the  adjournment  of  Synod 
as  practicable. 

On  motion,  a  Committee  consisting  of  Messrs.  Foote,  Styles,  and" 
Baker,  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  Pastoral  Letter  to  the  churche.-i 
under  the  care  of  this  Synod. 

On  motion  it  was 

JResolved,  That  the  first  half  hour  of  each  morning's  session  of  Synod,  be  occu- 
pied with  devotional  exercises. 

Synod  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  at  9  o'clock. 
Closed  with  prayer, 

Friday,  October  14th,  9  oclock,  A.  M. 

Synod  met  and  after  being  opened  with  prayer,  half  an  hour  was 
spent  in  devotional  exercises. .  The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  yes- 
terday, and  the  previous  clay  were  read  and  approved. 

Rev.  W.  E.  McElwee,  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  Rev.  J. 
McC.  Campbell  and  George  Eagleton  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  and 
the  Rev.  Isaac  N.  Caldwell  of  the  Synod  of  Tennessee,  being  present, 
were  invited  to  sit  as  corresponding  members. 


SYNOD  OP  VIRGINIA.  351 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  stated  clerk  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina,  which  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Union  Theologi- 
cal Seminary. 

The  Treasurer  of  Synod  presented  a  report,  showing  that  there  was 
a  ;eficiency  of  ahout  $2  TO,  in  paying  the  expense  of  printing  the  min- 
u:  "S  of  last  year,  and  providing  for  the  printing  those  of  the  present 
meeting,  and  on  motion,  a  Committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of 
the  Rev.  J.  Miller,  J.  T.  L.  Preston  and  Robert  A.  Payne,  to  report 
upon  some  means  of  supplying  this  deficiency,  and  to  arrange  such 
assignments  for  the  future  as  may  be  deemed  expedient. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  audit  and  examine  the  accounts  of 
contributions  made  for  benevolent  purposes,  through  the  Central 
Presbyterian,  made  a  report,  which  was  read,  and  on  motion,  adopt- 
ed. 

This  report  shows  that  the  sura  of  $18,607.60,  appears  to  have 
Ix  m  received,  and  as  the  Committee  believe  the  several  sums  "given, 
appropriated  faithfully  to  their  respective  objects." 

On  motion,  the  Presbyteries  were  called  for  statistical  reports,  and 
for  reports  on  Evangelistic  Labor,  and  Systematic  Benevolence,  and 
reports  were  received  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Greenbrier,  Lexing- 
ton, Montgomery,  West  Hanover.  Hanover,  Piedmont,  and  New 
R;ver. 

The  following  Statistical  Reports  were  received. 

The  Presbytery  of  Greenbrier  report  to  Synod  that  they  have  under  their  care  23 
churches,  and  1  Licentiate. 

On  the  16th  of  Apr<I,  1864,  tbev  ordained  Mr.  James  Haynes  as  an  Evangelist. 
Get.  8th,  1862.  J.  C.  BARR",  S.  C. 

Lexington  Presbytery  report  to  Synod  that  they  consist  of  28  Ministers,  and  have 
uuc  -r  their  care  38  churches,  2  Licentiates  and  1  candidate. 

That  on  the  21st  day  of  April  they  received  the  Rev.  R.  S.  Reete,  from  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Lafayette,  and  the  Rev.  Henry  Brown  from  the  Pn  sbytery  ol  Cherokee. 

1  hat  on  the  22nd  day  of  April,  for  reasons  stated  on  their  minutes,  the  names  of 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  Orr,  Lawson  and  Thomas  Hempstead,  were  stricken  from  their 
roll. 

By  order  of  the  Presbytery, 

April  26th.  1864.  .  S.  BROWN,  &  C. 

The  Presbytery  of  Montgomery  report  to  Synod  that  they  consist  of  16  Ministers, 
and  have  under  their  care  28  churches,  2  Liceutiates  and  5  candidates. 

TLat  on  —  of  May,  the  Rev  W.  P.  Hickman  died  of  wounds  received  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Cloyd's  Mountain,  May  — . 

Sept.  14,  1864.  L.  H.  BLANTON,  S.  C. 

The  Presbytery  of  West  Hanover  report  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  that  they  consist 
of  17  Ministers,  and  have  under  their  care  22  churches  and  8.  Licentiates. 

That  they  licensed  James  Power  Smith,  on  the  29th  December,  1863,  and  W.  C. 
Brooks  and  William  Dinwiddie,  on  April  loth,  1864,  to  preach  the  Gospel. 

'  nat  during  the  year  they  have  dissolved  the  following  pastoral  relations,  viz: 

Between  Rev.  L.  C.  Vass  and  Amheist  church,  April  15th,  1864,  between  Rev. 
Davi^l  B.  Ewing  and  Orange  Church.  September  21st,  1864,  between  J.  S.  Arm- 
Mtead,  D.  D.,  and  Cumberland  church,  September  21st,  1864. 

That  they  have  received  the  following  individuals,  viz: 

C  itober  24th.  1863,  Rev.  Richard  Mcllwaine  from  East  Hanover  Presbytery;  De- 
ce!.  ler  29th,  1863,  Mr.  James  P.  Smith  as  a  candidate  from  Winchester  Presbytery; 
September  21at,  1864,  Rev.  E.  W\  Bedmger  from  Ebenezer  Presbytery,  Ky. 


352  SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA. 

That  they  have  dismissed  the  following,  viz  : 

April  15th,  1864,  Mr.  Thornton  M.  Niven,  as  a  Licentiate  to  Roanoke  Presbytery; 
same  day,  Rev.  James  H.  Brooks,  D.  D.,  to  the  same;  September  21st,  1864,  Rev.  D. 
B.  Ewing  to  Montgomery  Presbytery. 

That  on  September  21st,  1864,  they  organized  Willis  church  and  received  it  under 
their  care. 

That  they  have  taken  the  following  candidates  under  their  care,  viz : 

April  21st,  1864,  Mr.  W.  C.  Brooks,  afterwards  licensed;  April  16th,  1864,  Mr.  W. 
L.  Bailey. 

By  order  of  West  Hanover  Presbytery, 

October  10,  1864.  J.  S.  ARMISTEAD. 

On  motion,  Rev.  P.  B.  Price  was  appointed  to  receive  contribu- 
butions  for  benevolent  purposes,  that  may  be  in  the  hands  of  mem- 
bers of  Synod. 

On  motion  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyterial  Narrative  on  the  State  of  Religion  be  referred  with- 
out being  read,  to  the  Synod's  Committee  on  the  Narrative. 

The  Moderator  announced  the  following  Committees  on  Presbyte- 
rial  Records. 

Greenbrier— Rev.  W.  Trimble,  E.  D.  Junkin  and  J.  W.  Cal- 
houn. 

Lexington — Rev.  S.  R.  Houston,  D.  B.  Ewing  and  William  J. 
Wilson. 

Montgomery — Rev.  W.  E.  Baker,  R.  P.  Kennedy  and  Thomas 
Matthews. 

West  Hanover — Rev.  F.  H.  Bowman,  John  S.  Grasty  and  C.  Mc- 
Clure. 

East 'Hanover— -Rev .  Wm.  G.  Campbell,  S.  D.  Stuart,  and  W.  H. 
Harris. 

Roanoke — Rev.  L.  H.  Blanton,  J.  Murray  and  Robt.  A.  Payne. 

On  motion,  Rev.  J.  S.  Armistead,  Rev.  B.  M.  Smith,  Rev.  James 
Morrison,  T.  D.  Bell,  and  D.  C.  Irwin,  were  excused  for  not  attend- 
ing the  present  sessions  of  Synod,  and  Rev.  D.  B.  Ewing  for  not  at- 
tending the  last  meeting. 

Synod  took  recess  until  after  Divine  Service. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 

The  hour  having  arrived  to  hear  the  report  of  the  Committee  on 
Army  Chaplains,  that  Committee  presented  a  report,  which  was  re- 
ceived and  discussed  at  some  length,  when  it  appearing  that  the 
subject  had  awakened  a  warm  interest,  and  in  view  of  its  impor- 
tance, the  subject  was  laid  over  until  to-morrow  morning,  and  made 
the  first  order  of  the  day. 

A  motion  was  made  to  admit  to  a  seat  in  the  Synod  David  Hum- 
phrey, Ruling  Elder  from  the  church  of  Charlestown,  now  within 
the  enemy's  lines,  and  it  appearing  that  the  facts  of  the  case  were 
not  sufficiently  understood,  a  Committee  consisting  of  Rev.  Messrs. 
W.  S.  White,  Wm.  Brown  and  J.  Miller,  wore  appointed  to  inquire 


fcYXOD  OF  VIRUI.VIA.  353 

into  and  report  the  facts,  with  a  view  to  further  action  on  the  case. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  9.  o'clock. 
Closed  with  prayer. 

Saturday,  October  15M,  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Synod  met  and  was  opened  with  prayer. 
Half  an  hour  was  spent  in  Devotional  Exercises. 
The  Committee  on  Union  Theological  Seminaiy  made  a  report, 
which  was  received  and  adopted. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary  failed  to  hold  its  an- 
nual meeting  in  Tune  last,  in  consequence  of  the  disturbed  state  of  the  country.  For 
this  reason  'he  Committee  have  had  no  papers  put  in  their  hauds. 

They  recommend  that  the  following  resolutions  be  adopted  by  the  Synod,  viz: 

1st,  Resulted,  That  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Directors  be  requested  to  call  a 
meeting  of  .lie  Board  at  an  early  day,  if  practicable,  to  consider,  among  other  things, 
the  propriety  aud  means  for  affording  the  Professsors  a  competent  support,  in  the 
peculiar  circumstances  of  the  country  at  the  present  time,  and  this  Synod  will  ap- 
prove an  immediate  application  to  all  churches  within  its  bounds,  by  an  agent  or 
otherwise. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  to  furnish  the  means  of  paying  the  traveling  expenses  of  mem- 
bers of  the  Board,  the  several  Presbyteries  be  assessed  for  the  coming  year,  as  fol- 
lows, viz: 

EastHancver  140,  Roanoke  100,  West  Hanover  SO,  Montgomery  80,  Winchester 
40,  Greenbrier  40,  Lexington  L00. 

In  pursuance  of  a  recommendation,  aud  nominations  to  that  effect 
by  the  Committee,  the  following  Directors  were  appointed,  viz:  Jo- 
seph Cloyd  of  Pulaski  county,  in  the  place  of  Eli  Phlegar  of  Mont- 
gomery, who  has  died  since  the  last  meeting;  John  R.  Tucker  of  the 
city  of  Richmond,  in  the  place  of  R.  B.  Sherrard  of  Winchester; 
Rev.  J.  C.  Barr  of  Greenbrier,  in  the  place  of  Rev.  J.  H.  Leps;  and 
Rev.  Wm.  H.  Foote,  D.  D.,  whose  terms  of  office  have  expired;  and 
on  motion,  the  letter  from  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina,  which  has  been  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Semi- 
nary, was  laid  on  the  table  until  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Direc- 
tors and  Faculty  is  received. 

A  letter  was  read  from  R.  F.  Lester  of  Petersburg,  who  is  con- 
nected with  the  Evangelical  Tract  Soctety,  asking  the  sympathy 
and  co-operation  of  this  Synod,  in  the  operations  of  that  Society, 
and,  on  motion,  the  subject  was  referred  to  a  Committee  consisting 
of  Rev.  J.  Miller,  A.  Converse,  Willliam  Brown  and  P.  B.  Price. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute  commemorative  of 
the  death  of  Rev.  Wm.  P.  Hickman,  made  a  report  which  was  re- 
ceived and  unanimously  adopted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

The  Synod  having  heard  of  the  removal  by  death  of  their  brother.  Rev.  Wm.  P. 
Hickman  of  Montgomery  Presbytery,  who  was  slain  in  the  battle  of  C'loyd's  Moun- 
tain, on  the  —  day  of  May,  1864,  adopt  the  following  commemorative  minute: 

The  deceased  voluntarily  took  up  arms  in  defence  of  his  country.    He  was  impelled 

to  this  decision  by  no  momentary  impulse,  but  was  actuated  by  the  highest  motives 

of  christian  principle.     When  the  Federal  army  were  invading  his  neighborhood,  and 

■carried  wasting  and  uV  iti  i ■••'  iou  in  tjkeif  v.  -  h.  U  was  It  ■  diKborau-  convk-fion  of 

2 


354  SYNOI>  OF  VIRGINIA. 

our  brother  that  a  dispensation  was  committed  to  his  hands,  and  most  bravely  and 
heroically  did  he  fulfil  it.  He  met  his  death  in  the  front  of  battle,  and  the  last  words 
which  fell  from  his  lips  on  that  bloody  field  were,  "Do  your  duty  boys,  my  work  is 
ended  V 

The  deceased  was  a  profound  biblical  scholar,  a  devout  christian  and  an  able  min- 
ister of  the  New  Testament. 

On  motion,  Mr.  Robert  A.  Payne  was  associated  with  Rev.  P.  B. 
Price,  to  receive  contributions  for  benevolent  purpose,  from  members 
of  this  body. 

The  order  of  the  day,  (the  subject  of  Army  Chaplaincy)  was  taken 
up,  and  further  discussed  by  several  members  of  Synod,  when  a  re- 
cess was  taken  until  three  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M. 

After  recess  Synod  met. 

The  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  religious 
instruction  of  the  negroes,  with  the  view  of  suggesting  some  plan,  if  any  be  found 
practicable,  by  which  their  spiritual  necessities  may  be  reached;  said  Committee  to 
report  at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

The  following  were  appointed  to  constitute  said  Committee,  Rev. 
W.  S.  White,  Rev.  J.  C.  Stiles  and  Rev.  Alexander  Martin. 

The  Committee  on  the  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  made  a 
report,  that  they  found  nothing  calling  for  Synodical  action.  The 
report  was  received  and  the  Committee  discharged. 

Synod  then  proceeded  with  the  order  of  the  day,  (the  subject  of 
Army  Chaplains,)  and  after  further  discussion,  the  report  of  the 
Committee,  and  resolutions  after  amendment  was  adopted. 

I.  Touching  the  wants  of  the  army,  the  statement  is  not  exact  but  yet  substan- 
tially correct,  that  if  all  in  commission  were  present  with  their  charges,  about  one 
half  of  the  Regiments  in  the  armies  in  Virginia,  would  have  Chaplains  of  some  de- 
nomination of  the  Protestant  church.  Many  of  the  Regiments  being  now  small,  and 
closely  associated  in  Brigades,  it  is  beleived  that  if  each  of  the  latter  had,  on  an  aver- 
age two  efficient  Chaplains  or  Missionaries,  it  would  be  a  bare  supply.  This  estimate 
calls  for  sixty  (60)  new  labourers  for  the  field. 

There  are  in  Virginia  34  general  or  local  permanent  hospitals,  with  about  34  Chap- 
lains or  Missionaries;  these  should  have  an  addition  of  as  many  more  men. 

The  "reatest  destitution  is  in  the  temporary  field  hospitals,  of  which  the  number 
is  lar"e,  but  constantly  changing  and  unknown.  In  these  our  brave  men  when  sick 
or  wou.ided,  usually  suffer  and  die  without  spiritual  assistance.  Their  wants  must  be 
supplied  chiefly  by  Missionaries,  except  as  Chaplains  from  the  field  may  be  tempo- 
rarily detailed  for  visiting  them. 

II.  Touching  the  present  supply.  Our  Synod  out  of  about  185  ministers  and  Li- 
centiates, has  now  in  commission  for  permanent  service  as  Chaplains  or  Missionaries, 
twenty-five  men.  In  addition  to  these  a  large  number  of  our  brethern  are  doing 
a  lar^e  and  valuable  work,  by  visits  to  the  hospitals  and  camps,  which  cannot  be  es- 
timated by  figures.  It  is  for  our  Ministers  and  Licentiates  solemnly  to  consider  be- 
fore God,  whether  this  is  a  sufficient  part  of  our  body  to  consecrate  to  this  service, 
wheo  so  much  larger  portion  of  our  lay  brethren  are  toiling  and  bleeding  for  the  de- 
fence of  us  and  our  country.  Since  the  active  campaign,  the  whole  number  of  our 
denomination  employed  as  permanent  Gospel  labourers  in  the  army  has  sunk  from 
J$0  to  &\  bet  of  this  dimioutioo  out  Syood  oootributeH  very  little. 


SYKOD  OF  VIRGINIA.  355 

III.  For  additional  supply,  the  Committee  would  recommend  the  adoption  by  the 
Synod  of  the  following  resolutions. 

1.  That  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Stiles,  D.  D..  and  the  Rev.  B.  T.  Lacy  are  affectionatly 
urged  to  undertake  during  the  sessions,  as  the  work  most  appropriate  to  them,  the 
enlisting  of  new  labourer?  for  the  field  and  hospitals. 

2.  That  ministers  banished  from  their  homes  and  charges,  whether  in  Virginia  or 
other  Confederate  States,  are  invited  and  urged  to  take  service  with  these  brethren, 
as  the  work  to  which  Providence  especially  points  them  in  their  affliction. 

3.  That  it  is  the  deliberate  judgment  of  the  Synod,  founded  on  the  word  of  God, 
that  all  those  Ministers  and  Licentiates,  in  whom  the  following  conditions  concur, 
viz:  First,  qualification  for  the  field,  second,  bodily  strength  for  the  hardships  of  it, 
and  third,  opportunity  to  procure,  if  not  adequate  yet  a  tolerable  supply  for  iheir 
present  charges,  are  under  solemn  obligation  from  their  vows  to  their  Master,  and 
from  their  duty  to  the  souls  of  men  and  their  country,  to  consider  prayerfully  the 
question  of  labouring  permanently  in  the  army;  and  if  the  three  considerations  above 
are  not  counterpoised  by  others  peculiar  to  their  cases,  to  decide  this  question  affirm- 
atively. In  doing  which  it  is  their  duty  to  make  their  account  ol  preaching  the 
word,  patiently  and  diligently,  amidst  discouragement  and  opposition,  if  need  be,  and 
whether  the  immediate  visible  fruits  be  large  or  small.  And  finally,  on  this  head,  the 
Synod  does  testify  that  it  is  unworthy  of  a  Christian  Minister,  and  of  citizenship  in 
a  commonwealth  where  our  fellow  citizens  ;ire  properly  required  by  the  law.*,  a^  they 
are  prompted  by  their  own  zeal,  to  bear  evils  of  a  military  service  for  the  pablie  good, 
that  any  preacher  of  the  gospel  should  give  weight  in  deciding  his  duty',  to  mere 
personal  hardships  or  domestic  inconveniences. 

IV.  Touching  the  money  requisite  to  sustain  the  work,  the  Committee  do  recom- 
mend that  Synod  adopt  the  following  resolutions: 

1.  That  the  call  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  Domestic  Missions,  through  Dr.  J.  » 
L.  Wilson,  be  commended  to  cur  churches  and  people,  and  they  be  urged  to  contrib- 
ute promptly  what  may  be  necessary. 

2.  That  the  Board  of  Domestic  Missions  of  the  United  Synod,  in  Richmond  be  re- 
spectfully requested,  until  such  time  as  the  General  Assembly  shall  unite  its  opera- 
tions with  its  own,  to  aid  in  the  support  of  this  work,  either  by  appropriations  to 
Rev.  J.  L.  Wilson,  D.  D.,  or  by  supporting  such  persons  commisioned  by  him  es  they 
may  approve. 

On  motion  an  opportunity  was  given  to  persons  present  to  con- 
tribute such  sums  to  this  cause  as  they  may  desire,  and  Rev.  George 
W.  White  and  Rev.  D.  Ewing  were  appointed  to  receive  the  same. 
The  Committee  afterwards  reported  the  sum  of  $331,25  as  contrib- 
uted. 

The  Committee  to  examine  the  records  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lex- 
ington and  of  West  Hanover,  made  their  reports,  recommending 
their  approval,  which  were  respectively  received  and  adopted. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  devise  means  to  supply  a  deficiency 
in  paying  for  printing' the  minutes,  made  their  report  which  was 
received  and  adopted. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  audit  the  Treasurer's  accounts  beg  leave  to  report 
that  they  have  found  these  accounts  correct  and  sustained  by  proper  vouchers,  also 
that  the  increased  expense  of  printing  the  minutes,  &c,  leaves  a  deficit  of  $270,  and 
will  certainly  cause  a  further  deficit  in  the  next  year.  To  meet  this  they  have  had 
advanced  to  them  by  members  of  their  respective  Presbyteries,  the  following  sums: 
Greenbrier  Presbytery,  $20;  Lexington,  $50;  West  Hanover,  $50;  Roanoke,  $50; 
Montgomery,  $40;  East  Hanover,  $60;  New  River.  $20. 

They  recommend  that  the  salary  of  the  Stated  Clerk  be  increased  to  $200,  till 
otherwise  directed,  and  that  the  following  assessments  be  made  in  the  Presbyteries 
for  the  following  year  :  Greenbrier,  $60;  Lexington,  $100;  West  Hanover,  $100;  Ro- 
npke,  $100;  Abingdon,  $140:  Winchester.  $40;  East  Hanover,  $120. 

JOHF  MILLER,  Cfcairoiaa. 


356  SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA. 

The  Committee  to  arrange  Presbyterial  lines  made  a  report,  which 
was  received  and  adopted. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  left  the  defining  of  Presbyterial  boundaries,  as  ren- 
dered necessary  by  the  union  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia  and  the  New  River  Presby- 
tery with  this  body,  and  in  compliance  with  Article  III,  of  the  Act  of  Union,  beg 
leave  to  report  the  following,  viz : 

1.  That  it  is  inexpedient  and  unnecessary  to  change  the  boundaries  of  any  of  the 
Presbyteries  heretofore  composing  this  .Synod,  except  the  Presbytery  of  Montgomery, 
whose  western  boundary  hereafter  shall  be  New  River,  and  the  churches  arid  mem- 
bers of  which,  west  of  New  River,  hhall  belong  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  River, 
which  shall  also  retain  its  previous  boundary. 

2.  The  Synod  therefore  declare  the  churches  and  members  of  the  Presbyteries  of 
Hanover,  Piedmont  and  Winchester,  of  the  United  Synod,  shall  hereafter  belong  to 
such  of  the  former  Presbyteries  a-;  naturally  include  them  within  their  limits,  and  that 
the  churches  and  Ministers  of  Winchester  Presbytery  of  the  United  Synod,  east  of 
the  Blue  Ridge,  and  north  of  the  Presbyteries  of  West  and  East  Hanove-.  be  recog- 
nized as  the  Presbytery  of  Potomac,  and  also  that  any  other  churches  and  Ministers 
connected  with  said  Winchester  Presbyter;,',  outside  of  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Potomac,  remain  for  the  present  under  its  care. 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  made  a  repor;,  stating 
that  no  papers  or  business  had  been  put  into  their  hands.  The  re- 
port was  received  and  the  Committee  discharged. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  R.  F.  Lester, 
'  on  the  subject  of  the  Evangelical  Tract  Society,  made  a  report,  and 
an  amendment  thereto  offered,  which  being  discussed  in  part,  Synod 
took  a  recess  until  seven  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Synod  met  after  recess. 

The  unfinished  business  was  taken  up,  and  after  beiug  further 
discussed,  it  was,  on  motion  laid  on  the  table. 

On  motion,  the  vote  by  which  the  report  of  the  Committee  to  ar- 
range Presbyterial  lines  has  been  adopted,  was  re-considered,  and 
the  said  report  was,  on  motion,  amended  so  as  to  unite  the  two 
Presbyteries  of  Montgomery  and  New  River  in  one,  and  under  the 
name  of  Abingdon  Presbytery,  said  Presbytery  to  hold  its  first  stated 
meeting  in  Christiansburg  at  the  time  to  which  the  Presbytery  of 
Montgomery  adjourned  (the  third  Wednesday  in  April,  1365,  at  7$ 
o'clock  P.  M.,)  and  continuing  the  succession  of  Montgomery  Pres- 
bytery, as  having  a  larger  number  of  Ministers. 

On  motion,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  the  Synod  feels  called  on  to  express  its  regret  that  so  few  of  our 
churches  are  represented  in  the  present  meeting,  by  Ruling  Elders,  and  it  is  deemed 
a  proper  occasion  to  urge  upon  the  Church  Sessions  the  important  duty  on  the  part 
of  Ruling  Elders,  to  attend  our  Church  Courts,  regularly  and  promptly — a  duty  tha"t 
should  not  be  neglected  except  under  circumstances  of  over-ruling  necessity.  And, 
Ministers  are  directed  to  call  the  special  attention  of  Sessions  to  this  resolution. 

The  Standing  Committee  on  Ministerial  Support  presented  a  re- 
port, which  was  received  and  adopted. 

Mr.  Moderator.  The  appointment  and  duties  of  our  Central  Committee  on  Minis- 
terial Support,  are  sat  forth  in  the  following  resolutions,  adopted  by  the  Synod  at  its 
last  meeting,  \]z: 


mn  of  Virginia,  357 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Ministerial  Support  be  reduced  to  Qve,  and  that 
five  be  selected  with  a  view  to  their  central,  or  nearly  central  locality. 

2.  Resolved,  That  this  Committee  shall  have  in  charge  the  general  operations  of  the 
scheme,  and  that  the  Committees  on  Ministerial  Support  in  the  respective  Presbyte- 
ries be  and  are  hereby  enjoined  to  attend  diligently  to  their  duties,  and  after  their 
fall  meetings  to  report  to  the  Committee  of  Synod,  the  general  results  of  their  opera- 
tions, so  that  the  latter  Committee  may  report  regularly  to  the  Synod  e.t  each  meet- 
ing. . 

Your  Committee  have  received  no  reports  from  any  of  the  Presbyteries,  and,  there- 
fore, have  ho  direct  information  to  communicate,  as  to  the  attention  generally  given 
to  this  subject.  We  are  happy  to  know,  however,  that  many  individual  congrega- 
tions are  relieving  their  Ministers  from  a  burden  of  care,  by  contributing  in  lieu  of 
money,  such  articles  of  produce  and  clothing  as  are  necessary  for  the  comfort  of  their 
families.  • 

Your  Committee  composed  entirely  of  Ruling  Elders,  consider  the  adequate  support 
of  the  Ministry,  a  matter  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  general  welfare  of  the  church 
at  all  times,  and  demanding  the  serious  and  constant  attention  of  the  Presbyteries  and 
Church  Sessions.  This  we  regard  as  peculiarly  the  case  in  the  present  disturbed 
state  of  the  country,  and  under  the  depreciated  condition  of  the  currency. 

In  view  of  the  premises  we  offer  fcr  your  adoption  the  following  resolutions : 

1.  That  the  Presbyteries  composing  this  Synod,  are  again  enjoined  to  give  this 
subject  their  special  and  immediate  attention,  and  to  instruct  Church  Sessions,  under 
their  care  to  rep  >rt  regularly  on  the  manner  in  which  the  duty  of  supporting  the 
Gospel,  is  discharged  by  their  several  congregations. 

2.  That  the  Church  Sessions  under  the  care  of  this  body  be.  and  are  hereby  in- 
structed to  take  this  matter  in  hand  without  waiting  for  the  action  of  Presbyteries, 
and  that  they  be  urged  to  releive  their  Ministers,  as  far  as  possible,  from  the  carei 
and  anxieties  incident  to  providing  for  their  familes,  by  paying  their  salaries,  as  far 
as  practicable,  in  articles  o\  family  consumption,  and  at  such  rates  as  to  secure  an  ad- 
equate support. 

3.  That  the  Editors  of  the  "Christian  Observer"  and  "Central  Presbyterian"  be  re- 
quested t»  publish  this  action  of  the  Synod  as  soon  as  convenient. 

"    CAMPBELL,  Chairman. 

COMMITTKK, 


(  J.  L.  CAMPBEL 
\  V.  JOHNSTON, 
(    WM.  LEWIS. 


On  motion,  Rev.  Wm.  Brown,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  John  I,eyburn,  D. 
D.,  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  superintend  the  printing  aud 
distribution  of  the  minutes  of  Synod. 

The  following  resolution  was  adopted. 

Resolved,  That  the  Standing  Committee  on  the  state  of  the  Church,  be  directed  to 
take  into  consideration,  and  report  to  the  Synod,  some  plan  that  may  be  deemed 
practicable,  to  secure  the  payment  of  the  traveling  expenses  of  members  of  Synod 
in  attending  its  meetings. 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Potomac  as  established  by  this  Synod,  be  direct  ■ 
ed  to  meet  at  Culpeper  Court-House  on  the  third  Thursday  in  April,  1865,  at  11 
o'clock,  A.  M,  and  organize  as  directed  by  the  book,  and  in  ca<e  61  failure  to  meet 
at  that  time  and  place,  the  Rev.  A.  D.  Pollock  is  directed  to  call  them  together  at 
such  ether  time  and  place  as  he  may  think  best. 

Synod  proceeded  to  fix  the  time  and  place  of  the  next  meeting; 
Lynchburg  was  chosen  as  the  place,  in  the  Second  Presbyterian 
Church,  aud  the  First  Wednesday  in  October,  1865,  at  7^  o'clock 
P.  M.,  as  the  time  of  the  next  meeting. 

The  Committee  to  examine  the  Records  of  East  Hanover  and  Ro- 
anoke Presbyteries,  reported  that  the  Records  had  not  been  placed 
in  their  hands,  and  the  Committee  were  discharged. 


358  SYNOD  OF   VIRGINIA. 

The  Judicial  Committee  reported  that  no  business  had  come  be- 
fore them,  and  were  discharged. 

Synod  then  adjourned  until   Monday  morning  at  9£  o'clock. 
Closed  with  prayer. 

Monday  October  Vjih,  9£  oclock,  A.  M. 

Synod  met  and  was  opened  with  prayer. 

Half  an  hour  was  spent  in  Devotional  Exercises. 

The  minutes  of*  the  last  meeting  were  read  and  the  records  ap- 
proved. 

The  Committee  on  the  Records  of  Montgomery  Presbytery  .report- 
ed, recommending  that  they  be  approved  as  written.  The  report 
was  accepted  and  the  Records  approved. 

The  subject  of  support  for  the  Professors  of  Union  Theological 
Seminary,  was  referred  to  a  Committee  consisting  of  Rev.  Dr.  B»- 
cock  and  T.  L.  Preston.  , 

The  Committee  on  the  Narrative  made  a  report,  which  was  ac- 
cepted and  adopted,  and  it  was  ordered  to  be  published  in  the 
appendix  to  the  minutes.     (See  appendix.) 

On  motion,  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Evangelical  Tract 
Society,  was  taken  from  the  table,  and  after  considerable  discussion 
the  following  substitute  was  adopted,  viz: 

The  associated  and  organized  acts  of  the  people  of  God  for  the  conversion  of  the 
world  unto  Christ,  are  the  proper  functions  of  these  officers,  or  of  church  courts  consti- 
tuted of  them.  Those  who  seek  the  world's  conversion  by  societies  of  voluntary  and 
human  origin,  distinct  from  the  branches  of  Christ's  visible  church,  therefore  oug'i* 
not  to  ask  the  officers  and  courts  of  the  church  to  relinquish  these  labors  to  thei' . 
Yet  we  can  bid  them  God-speed  in  all  their  sincere  efforts  to  diffuse  the  true  word  ..  ? 
God,  and  we  concede  to  the  members  of  our  churches  full  liberty  to  extend  to  therr 
such  personal  aid  as  their  christian  consciences  approve. 

Whereas,  The  Committee  on  the  state  of  the  church  made  no  re- 
port at  the  present  meeting. 

Resolved,  That  the  same  Committee  be  continued,  and  they  be  directed  to  repo  t 
to  the  Synod  at  its  next  meeting. 

The  Treasurer  of  Synod  made  a  report  which  was  accepted,  ai.d 
approved,  and  is  as  follows  : 

The  Treasurer  farther  reports  that  he  has  received  the  full  amount  of  the  Synods 
assessment  in  all  our  Presbyteries,  except  that  of  Winchester,  and  he  has  also  re- 
ceived through  the  Committee  appointed  by  Synod,  $290,00  additional  for  the  pub- 
lishing of  the  minutes  of  Synod,  viz  :  From  Greenbrier  Presbytery.  $20;  Lexington, 
$50;  West  Hanover,  $50;  Roanoke,  $50;  Montgomery,  $40;  East  Hanover,  $G0;  Ne  w 
River,  $20. 

FRANCIS  McFARLAND,  Treasurer 

The  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence  made  the  following  repor*, 
which  was  accepted  and  approved. 

The  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence  report  that  they  have  granted  Leave  of  Ab- 
6jnce  from  the  present  eesaions  of  Synod,  to  the  following  members,  viz.: 


SYNOD    OF    VIRGINIA.  359 

*lev.  W.  Piukerton,  after  the  session  of  Friday  morning;  Rev.  W.  E.  Baker  and  Mr. 
H.  G.  Guthrie,  after  the  session  of  Friday,  Rev.  S.  Brown  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Calhoun,  after 
(.tie  session  of  Saturday  morning.  From  the  session  after  Saturday,  Dr.  Dabuey, 
Rev's.  W.  W.  Trimble,  H.  B.  Rose,  C.  S.  M.  See,  M.  H.  Bittenger,  H.  Brown,  L.  H. 
Bla  uon,  N.  VV.  Calhoun,  Dr.  Stiles  and  E.  Thomas. 

They  have  excused  for  absence  from  the  present  sessious,  up  to  Saturday  after- 
noon, Rev.  R.  C.  Walker,  for  absence  from  the  last  meeting  of  Synod;  Rev's  W.  G. 
Ca  npbell,  W.  W.  Trimble,  E.  Thomas,  J.  C.  Barr,  J.  M.  Rice,  and  L.  Emerson,  from 
the  last  three  meetings;  Rev's.  M.  H.  Bittenger  and  G.  D.  Armstrong,  D.  D.,  from 
U13  last  two  meetings. 

A.  L.  HOGSHEAD,  Chairman. 

The  Committee  on  the  Support  of  the  Professors  of  the  Union 
Theological  Seminary,  report  an  amendment  to  the  report  of  the 
C-j  nraittee  on  Union  Theological  Seminary,  which  was  adopted,  and 
annexed  to  that  report. 

The  following  action  was  taken  in,  respect  to  the  Presbyterian 
Committee  of  Publication. 

Resolved,  That  we  rejoice  to  learn  that  the  Presbyterian  Committee  of  Publication 
has  been  instrumental  in  furnishing  so  much  precious  truth,  especially  in  the  army  of 
oj-  country. 

2.  That  in  view  of  the  increasing  importance  of  this  work,  and  the  necessity  for 
sustaining  it  more  vigorously,  we  earnestly  commend  it  to  the  churche.  under  our 
ci'.i  •,  with  the  hope  that  it  may  receive  a  liberal  and  universal  support. 

4  memorial  of  the  Rev.  William  J,  Hoge,  D.  D.,  was  presented 
by  the  Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  adopted. 

Jhe  Rev.  William  J.  Hoge,  D.  D.,  entered  into  his  everlasting  rest,  July  5th,  1864, 
ir.    L>e  39th  year  of  his  age. 

lie  was  of  an  honored  ancestry  in  (he  history  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  was 
ir  rediately  blessed  with  godly  parents.  Though  early  an  orphan,  yet  the  mercies 
c  je  covenant  were  richly  and  effectually  upon  him.  He  was  licensed  to  preach 
*n<;  gospel  by  the  Presbytery  of  Hocking,  in  1850,  and  gpOQ  aftt  r  removed  to  Rich- 
n.  id,  Va.,  where  his  labors  in  the  pulpit,  and  a  large  Female  Seminary  were  highly 
«•  "eciated.  In  1852  he  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry,  by  the  Pres- 
(.'■  try  of  Baltimore,  and  installed  pastor  of  the  Westminster  Church  in  that  city. — 
It i  '.850  he  was  elected  Professor  of  Biblical  Introduction  in  Union  Theological  Sem- 
ii  rv.  In  1859  he  became  co-pastor  of  the  Brick  Church  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
4  a  soon  after  the  breaking  out  of  the  present  war  as  arrangements  could  be  made, 
lit  ■  turned  to  Virginia,  with  whose  struggle  his  heart  fully  sympathised.  Soon  after 
his  arrival  he  took  charge  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Charlottesville,  where  he 
rf.m  \ined  in  a  faithful  and  useful  service  till  the  fall  of  1803,  when  he  accepted  a  call 
to  fhe  Tabb  Street  Church,  in  the  city  of  Petersburg. 

The  limits  proper  for  a  notice  upon  our  records,  lorbid  us  to  dwell  upon  a  life  and 
character  which  so  admirably  filled  a  large  place  in  the  public  eye,  wherever  his 
mil  stry  was  enjoyed,  or  upon  the  intense  sorrow  pervading  our  church,  and  indeed 
ex  :nding  far  beyond  its  pale,  when  bereaved  by  his  deatu.  We  shall  long  remem- 
b  "  him  as  a  man  holding  in  rare  combination  aud  fullness  those  endowments  both  of 
na  tire  and  of  gr.ice,  which  made  him  a  noble  christian  gentleman,  our  loved  compan- 
ioti  nnd  fellow  laborer,  a  greatly  gifted  aud  successful  preacher  of  the  gospel,  who 
tu.oed  many  to  righteousness. 

His  vigorous  health  and  the  prime  of  his  manhood,  gave  promise  of  many  years 
to  be  devoted  to  a  work  he  so  ardently  loved,  and  into  which  the  extraordinary  en- 
thu  uasm  of  his  nature  was  so  thoroughly  thrown.  But  a  wisdom  and  power  to 
w'lose  behests  it  becomes  us  to  bow  as  submissively  as  did  our  beloved  brother,  has 
tr  Deferred  him  to  a  higher  service,  a  "far  more  exceeding  aud  eternal  weight  of 
glory." 


360  SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA. 

His  end  was  wonderfully  peaceful  and  triumphant,  arid  the  touching  narrative 
published  concerning  it,  ha3  a  very  wide  spread  interest,  as  an  illustration  of  the  sus- 
taining power  and  grace  of  God.  "It  is  dark,"  he  said,  "dark,  but  never  mind  that, 
itis  only  natural  darkness.  I  am  dead,  physically  dead,  but  spiritually  alive  in  Christ 
Jesus,  forkvermokk."     These  were  nearly  his  last  words. 

Blessed  be  God  for  what  he  was  in  life,  and  in  death,  and  for  what  he  shall  be, 
world  without  end,  in  the  kingdom  of  glory. 

The  Commitee  appoij^tod  to  prepare  a  Pastoral  Letter,  presented 
a  Teport  which  was  accepted,  and  after  certain  amendments  adopted, 
and  the  editors  of  the  Central  Presbyterian  and  Christian  Observer, 
requested  to  publish  it  in  their  columns. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  we  tender  our  cordial  thanks  to  the  members  of  this 
church,  and  other  citizens  of  Lexington,  for  their  hospitality  and  courtesy  to  the 
members  of  this  Synod  duiing  their  sessions,  and  to  the  authorities  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  and  Methodist  churches,  for  the  use  of  their  houses  of  worship,  and  also  to 
the  Presidents  and  Directors  of  the  Danville,  Soutb:*ide  and  Central  Railroads,  for 
Jhe  facilities  uf  travel  extended  to  members  of  this  Judicatory. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  money  collected  for  Army  Chaplaincy,  amounting  in  all 
to  $427,25,  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee,  appointed  for  its  reception,  and 
3ent  to  the  Assistant  Committee  of  Domestic  Missions. 

Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Lynchburg,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  October,  1885,  at  7£  o'clock, 
P.  M. 

Concluded  with  singing,  prayer  aad  the  Apostolic  benediction. 

CHAS.  H.  READ,  Moderator. 
F.  Johnston,      )  Ql    , 
P.  Fletcher,      \  Uier**' 
Francis  McFarland,  Stated  Clerk. 


SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA.  361 


APPENDIX. 


N'ARRATIVE  OF  THE  STATE  OF  RELIGION  IN  THE  SYNOD 

OF  VIRGINIA. 

For  years  past  the  prominent  idea  in  the  narratve  of  religion  from 
this  Synod  has  been,  that  the  afflictive  judgments  of  God  were  press- 
ing heavily  upon  the  church.  As  a  necessary  consequence  of  this 
condition,  there  have  been  many  hindrances  to  the  regular  and  effi- 
cient use  of  the  means  upon  which  the  church  depends  for  success. 
The  same  sad  fact  is  again  to  be  mentioned.  The  Presbyteries  from 
which  reports  have  come,  mention  as  a  cause  of  thankfulness  the 
fact,  that  they  are  enabled,  even  to  a  limited  degree,  to  use  effec- 
tively the  means  for  the  promotion  of  Christ's  Kingdom,  and  that 
these  efforts  are  measurably  blessed  with  success.  We  have  become 
familiar  with-  the  complaint  that  ministers  have  been  driven  from 
their  homes  or  imprisoned,  that  sanctuaries  have  been  desecrated  or 
closed,  and  that  congregations  have  been  scattered  and  peeled,  so 
that  we  seem  to  have  accepted  it  as  a  cause  of  grateful  acknowledg- 
ment to  God  that  under  judgments  so  severe,  we  are  enabled  at  all 
To  live  and  to  labor. 

But  whilst  we  report  that  we  are  still  painfully  learning  the  les- 
sons of  adversity  under  the  chastisements  of  God,  it  is  our  pleasure, 
and  a  cause  of  unbounded  gratitude  to  God,  to  add,  that  these  les- 
sons so  oft  repeated,  and  now  so  deeply  imprinted  upon  the  heart, 
have  not  been  without  legitimate  results.  We  now  see  the  goodness 
and  severity  of  God.  Not  in  vain  have  we  smarted  under  the  rod  and 
been  humbled  to  the  dust;  not  in  vain  have  we  deplored  the  desola- 
tions of  Zion,  and  mourned,  and  fasted  and  wept.  For  blessed  be 
God,  to-day  we  rejoice  with  exceeding  great  joy  ;  to-day  we  witness 
the  power  of  God  made  perfect  in  our  weakness  ;  to-day  we  receive 
with  unspeakable  gratitude  a  rich  manifestation  of  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  which  we  accept  as  an  earnest  of  even  better  things  to 
come.  Christian  ministers  and  people  long  severed  are  re-united; 
differences  of  opinion  and  diversities  of  sentiment  are  forgotten  ; 
everything  that  hinders  cordial  and  fraternal  reconciliation  banished; 
and  to-day  we  think  the  visible  body  of  Christ  more  like  what  the 
sacramental  host  of  God's  elect  should  be  than  ever  before:  for  now 
we  see  a  large  and  living  exemplification  of  that  charity,  which  is 
the  bond  of  perfect n ess.  We  are  stronger  than  before  by  the  union 
of  our  powers  ;  purer  than  before,  because  we  hear  him  say,  "peace 
I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto  you."     Without  hesitation 


3G2  SYNOD  OF   VrROINTA.  .     • 

we  claim  to  have  received  a  precious  manifestation  of  the  power  of 
God's  Spirit  in  thus  healing  divisions,  uniting  brethren,  and  re- 
storing peace  within  our  bounds;  and  for  his  rich  mercy  and  grace 
let  all  the  people  praise  Him. 

The  Synod  would  also  make  mention  of  the  solemn  truth — that 
amid  all  our  blessings  anil  mercies — God  has  most  sorely  afflicted  us. 
Two  of  our  ordained  ministers,  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Hoge,  D.  D.,  and  Rev. 
W.  P.  Hickman,  have  been  taken  to  their  rest  during  the  Sy nodical 
year,  and  two  of  our  candidates,  Mr.  J.  W.  Poague  and  Mr.  Lynch, 
have  fallen  in  defence  of  our  country.  Appropriate  committees  have 
brought  in  becoming;  memorials  concerning  the  virtues  and  graces 
of  the  two  former,  and  we  would  take  this  opportunity  of  expressing 
our  high  appreciation  of  the  noble  qualities  of  mind  and  heart 
which  prompted  the  patriotism  of  our  younger  and  not  less  ardent 
brethren,  it  is  sad  to  think  of  their  untimely  death,  blasting  so 
many  fond  hopes  oi  ministerial  usefulness,  but.  "The  Lord  gave 
and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away — blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord!" 

The  attention  of  this  Synod  has  been  constantly  directed  to  the 
wants  of  the  army,  and  vigorous  efforts  are  now  making  to  supply 
the  destitution  there  existing. 

For  our  failures  in  duty  and  want  of  faith  during  the  past  year, 
we  ask  the  forgiveness  of  God  through  Jesus  Christ;  for  the  rich  and 
unmerited  favors  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  will  forever  bless  His 
Holy  name. 

C.  H.  READ,  Modtralor. 

Lexington,  Va.,  October,  1864. 


SYNOD  OF  VIRGINIA.  363 


DOCKET  OF  BUSINESS  FOR  1865. 

Moderator  and  two  Clerks  to  be  elected. 

Printed  Minutes  to  be  distributed. 

Standing  Committees  to  be  appointed  by  tbe  Moderator,  viz  : 

On  Leave  of  Absence. 

On  Bills  and  Overtures. 

A  Judicial  Committee. 

On  TJnion/Theological  Seminary.  They  nominate  Directors.  The 
term  of  service  of  Wm  S.  White,  D.  D.,  S.  D.  Stuart  and  A.  G.  Mc- 
Ilwaine  now  expires*  It  does  not  appear  that  Directors  were  elect- 
ed in  1863. 

On  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 

On  the  Narrative  of  the  State  of  Religion. 

On  Devotional  Services. 

Committees  to  review  the  Records  of  the  several  Presbyteries. 

Report  of  the  Directors  of  Union  Theoligical  Semi  nary- to  be  read 
and  committed. 

Presbyterial  Narrative  on  the  State  of  Religion  to  be  read  and  re- 
ferred. 

Statistical  Reports  from  Presbyteries  to  be  presented  and  read. 

The  permanent  Committee  on  Ministerial  Support  to  report. 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church  to  report:  Dr.  Ramsey 
Chairman. 

The  Committee  consisting  of  the  Board"  of  Directers  and  Faculty 
of  the  Union  Theological  .Seminary  to  report  on  the  expediency  of 
transferring  the  direct  control  of  the  Seminary  to  the  General  As- 
sembly, to  report. 

Reports  from  Presbyteries  on  Evangelistic  Labor  to  be  made. 

Presbyteries  to  report  their  diligence  in  Systematic  Benevolence. 

Appoint  a  time  and  place  for  the  next  meetiug  of  Synod. 

Committee  to  report  a  plan  of  reaching  the  Spiritual  necessities  of 
the  negroes:  Dr.  White,  Chairman. 

The  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Church  to  report  some  plan 
of  paying  the  traveling  expenses  of  members  attending  Synod. 


•^ 


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